There will be two issues affecting the state of Ohio in November’s election that are on the Ohio ballot by legislators from the state via two joint resolutions approved by a majority of Republicans with the support of a few Democratic legislators.
Issue 1 allows judges to consider the public’s safety when determining the amount for bail in cash and eliminates the Supreme Court of Ohio’s power to establish bail rules.
Republican lawmakers have pushed for putting the constitutional amendment HJR2 on the ballot in the wake of an Ohio Supreme Court ruling in an opinion of 4-3 that judges cannot be allowed to consider public safety when deciding bail.
Referendum in Yellow Springs
In the year 2019, 59% of the people who voted in Yellow Springs approved a measure which allowed voters who were not citizens to vote in the village. LaRose stated that he wrote an open letter to the village’s council disapproving of the change, “and they did not further pursue it,” the author said.
“But what it brought to mind for us, what it brought to light for us, is the law is not black and white and clear on this, as it relates to local elections,” He said.
The Ohio General Assembly, which includes the GOP majority in both chambers, ratified one bill in January to place Issue 2 on the ballot.
Outside of Ohio and San Francisco, two towns in Vermont, Nine Maryland cities, and two in Massachusetts permit noncitizens to vote in elections, per the Pew Charitable Trusts. The New York City law allowing the participation of 800,000 people who are not citizens in municipal elections was found to be different from the state constitution by a judge in the summer.
“So this idea that started on the East Coast and the West Coast crept its way into Ohio,” LaRose stated.
If people who were not citizens could participate in local elections, LaRose stated that it would be necessary for the local elections officials to run two different systems: local elections that allow noncitizens and federal and state elections, where they’re barred.
The process would require “a separate voter registration list, a separate set of voting machines, a separate set of ballots that only had those local candidates,” LaRose stated. “And that would obviously be a huge administrative lift and burden, and one that we wouldn’t want to saddle.”
Can noncitizens cast a ballot in Ohio?
Check out: Yellow Springs noncitizen voting referendum on local election
In 2022, no counties within Ohio permitted non-residents to cast votes in elections. In 2019, Yellow Springs, Ohio’s village Yellow Springs, Ohio, had a referendum to determine the possibility of allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. The vote was 891-1500 (58%-42 per cent). [1]
Following the elections after the election, the Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) said that only U.S. citizens could vote in the polls. He also noted that allowing voters who are not citizens of the United States violated the United States Constitution and the Ohio Constitution. LaRose ordered the Greene County Board of Elections to deny all voter registrations made by noncitizens and revoke the voter registrations of noncitizen residents in Yellow Springs Village. Village in Yellow Springs who had already registered to vote. [2]
What did the supporters and those opposed comment on this legislation?
Check out for For support, see:
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) advocated for the legislation. “American elections are only for American citizens,” the secretary of state stated. “And cities across other states which have given non-residents the right to vote in local elections are destroying the significance of the concept of being the American. American … The measure is an effective preventative measure which provides the security required to guarantee that this rights are protected for Ohioans. “[3]
Rep. Jay Edwards (R-94) was among the lawmakers who supported the bill. “This is about the integrity of our elections,” the representative said following the bill’s passage by the Ohio General Assembly. “Citizenship matters. We’re taking steps to ensure that our laws regarding elections are straightforward. I believe this is an issue that the majority of Ohioans, regardless of political affiliation and political affiliation, would support.”[44
The measure’s opponents comprised Rep. Mike Skindell (D-13) and Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-58). Skindell declared, “Immigrants serve as firefighters, they serve as police officers in our communities, they are homeowners, they contribute to our societies, they serve as schoolteachers, their kids go to schools in our community,” Skindell stated. “And they are entitled to an right to be able to speak with an opinion which is why we must accept that.”[5Lepore-Hagan claimed she thought the bill wasn’t productive. “It’s an effort to promote a narrative that our elections are faulty,” she stated. “It’s as well an attempt to play into the fear of voters and is a political play. “[66
Is the issue 2 needed?
Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio, called Issue 2 “certainly confusing” because it lacks information on the issue.
“I think many people believe green-card residents are voting in the state of Ohio at this moment, and that’s why this needs to change,” she added. “And that is not the case.”
Some opponents of the issue, including Bryan Wright, believe it needs to be more relevant because voters already have the requirements for residency, age and age criteria to become eligible for voting.
Wright, the executive director of Cincinnati Compass, called the ballot initiative “non-issue.” If it is approved the ballot initiative, Issue 2 doesn’t have any effect on anything. He said it would keep the existing local election procedure and change who’s qualified to vote.
“It’s already the case that United States citizens are the only ones who can vote in state, federal and local elections, so creating a ballot issue on this doesn’t really make sense,” Wright stated.
Cincinnati Compass works to advance the socio-economic, cultural and cultural acceptance of refugees and immigrants across Ohio.
Wright stated that he sees issue 2 as a “direct attack” on immigrant and refugee communities.
In a statement in the election, Wright described it as being “cloaked in fear.” Wright feels that the issue 2 election will ” play into fears of people” from a diverse political community with deep opinions about immigration or who believe non-documented immigrants should vote.
“I do not agree with using immigrant and refugee communities as a political ploy to play to the people’s fears of immigrant communities,” Wright stated. “That strategy goes against the very work that we’re trying to do to create a welcoming environment for people regardless of where they come from or how they get here.”
Pros of Living in Ohio
It is a good idea to consider moving to Ohio for numerous reasons. Here are some of the top reasons here.
- Low Cost of Living
Compared to other states, Ohio citizens enjoy a reasonably high price of living. In contrast to the National average of 100, the Ohio cost of living score is 82.6 and is lower than the national average. Ohio is indeed ranked as the ninth-cheapest state in which to reside.
Ohio’s median cost for a four-bedroom home is around $150,000. The median price for renting the same space is less than $1000, so it is possible to save money by purchasing the safety of buying a brand-new house at a lower price than renting. Everything from housing and food to health costs is less expensive in Ohio.
- Booming Job Market
The Ohio economy is undergoing an appearance, bringing about an expansion in the employment market. Ohio can fill a vacancy if you seek employment in IT, medical manufacturing, tourism, or other sectors. Top employers are Berkshire Hathaway, Walmart, Cleveland Clinic Hospital System, Giant Eagle, and Honda Motor Company.
Some growing positions include occupational therapists, home health assistance statisticians, physical therapists, nurse practitioners, and operations analysts. The most lucrative positions are those in the medical sector, whose median per-hour rate is more than $27. Therefore, if you’re seeking jobs, specifically in the medical field, check out the opportunities Ohio offers.
- Awesome Theme Parks
Ohio does not just love theme parks. It has pride in the theme parks it has. Cedar Point theme park in Sandusky, Ohio, has many world-class rides. It has been awarded the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” It has the park’s 71 rides, which include 18 thrilling roller coasters. There’s an array of exciting rides and amusement for everyone within one of the most storied and most loved theme parks in the United States.
If you’re looking for a centrally situated park, King’s Island in Mason, Ohio, boasts the Midwest’s biggest theme park and water park. It has 364 acres of excitement, food, entertainment, and excitement. You can enjoy the entire weekend at this theme park and discover lots to enjoy every single day. The park is excellent in providing rides for everyone of all ages, both in the theme park and its water park.
Ohio theme parks offer fantastic rides. However, you can eat tasty food and have fun in the park. There are always events, performances, haunted mazes and many more activities that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Wrap Up
You now have all the information you have to know to make an informed choice on relocation to Ohio. Perhaps you’re influenced by celebrities who were born and raised in Ohio, the Buckeye State, and you would like to try its low cost of living and numerous jobs a shot.
No matter what you pick, Ohio has several advantages. With beautiful scenery and friendly and welcoming people, there is plenty to explore and experience; Ohio is a great alternative to stay or even a trip.